Anna and her twin sister Sarah Kate were born at only 23 weeks gestation on April 9, 2003. They were both fighters from the very beginning. They were both extremely small; only 13 ounces for Anna and 15 ounces for Sarah Kate. Unfortunately Sarah Kate lost her fight after six weeks. Anna gradually got stronger and stronger and after 6 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital, we were able to bring her home.

The struggle did not end there; Anna still had more battles to win. And now, three and a half years later, she has won many battles. Thanks to her wonderful doctors, therapists, and many prayers from family and friends, Anna is a growing and happy three year old.

Because Anna is vision impaired, she attends the Alabama Regional School for the Deaf and Blind. She gets picked up by the school bus at 6:45 each morning and heads to school. At school she gets to have therapy, participate in art, learn communication techniques, and even go on field trips. The bus brings her home at 3:45 every afternoon. She has a regular therapy appointment each week and doctor appointments scheduled too. Anna has developmental delays but that does not slow her down. She works as hard if not harder than any kid her age. She is fed through a feeding tube and working on feeding by mouth. Anna loves to play with her older sister Kaley, she loves music, and soft toys. She may still have some hurdles left to overcome but she has come a long way and we are very proud to be her parents!